We all know that a big draw to visiting Skagway, Alaska is the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.  But what if you have already been on the train?  Maybe train rides are not your style?  Or maybe the cost of the train is more than you want to spend for a 2-hour excursion!  If any of these descriptions fit your situation, this could be your perfect itinerary for your day in Skagway!

1.       Rent an Electric Bicycle - rent some e-bikes from Klondike Electric Bicycles on the corner of 5th Ave. and State Street.  This will be your transportation for a self-guided tour of Skagway…and beyond! Before leaving the bike shop, grab an amazingly delicious cinnamon roll from Lucy’s Bakery!  After all, you cannot adventure on an empty stomach!

Get out of town:

2.       Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery - This cemetery is the final resting place of some of Skagway’s most colorful and notorious characters, including Jefferson “Soapy” Smith.  Step back in time as you read the names of Skagway’s founding fathers. 

3.       Hike to Lower Reid Falls –A small elevation gain of 50 ft over the course of the short trail will lead you to the spectacular site of "Lower Reid Falls" - named after Frank Reid, the hero of Skagway gold rush days. This is the most accessible waterfall in Skagway, making it a highlight for both nature lovers and Instagrammers. 

4.       Visit the Skagway Overlook - It is in this spot that you will see a birds-eye view of the town of Skagway and its port…including an opportunity to take a postcard quality picture of your cruise ship among the majestic backdrop. 

5.       Walk the beach at Nakhu Bay – Nakhu Bay is also known as Long Bay.  This area is located at the Northern tip of the Taiya Inlet.  You can venture down to the beach and enjoy the vistas and photograph the bay and the Chilkat Mountain Range (located in Haines, AK).  Search for driftwood and see the remnants of Bark Canada – a ship that sank here during the gold rush. 

6.       Stop by the Chilkoot Trail Outpost for some lunch, a beverage, and a history lesson about the area!  The Outpost is owned by the Hosford family, who have been in the Dyea area since the 1940’s! 

7.       Visit Dyea - Dyea literally translates “to pack”.  It was in this area that Tlingit people came to trade with Interior First Nations people.  In this region, the Chilkoot Trail was one of only three passes that could be used all winter.  Because of this accessibility, it also became a staging point for many of the prospectors who were on the quest to find gold in 1898.  Once the White Pass Railroad was built, the need for the Chilkoot Trail as a means of transport became obsolete.  This area now houses a campground, the Historic Dyea Townsite, the slide cemetery…and if you are lucky some wildlife sightings!

 Back in town:

8.       Go see the Days of 98 Show - For nearly 100 years The Days of '98 Show has been dazzling audiences with music, laughter, and the legendary CAN CAN!  This is your chance to learn about Jefferson “Soapy” Smith – one of Skagway’s most notorious outlaws!  This musical brings you into the days of the Gold Rush, with all of the thrills and frills experienced by the stampeders.

9.       Take some photos of AB Hall – The old Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which now houses the Skagway Visitor’s Center, is one of the most photographed buildings in all of Alaska.  It has more than 8,883 pieces of driftwood on the front of the building.  Dare to try to count them all?  Or just take a picture!

10.   Strike it Rich – Stop by Alaskan Fairytales and pan for gold!  After a quick lesson on the correct techniques of gold panning, you will have a chance to strike it rich…just like those who ventured here from all over back during the Gold Rush.

11.   Explore our National Park Sites – Skagway is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park.  Check out some of the museums: Visitor Center Museum, Moore House Museum, Jeff Smith’s Parlor Museum, The Mascot Saloon Museum.  Check out the “Cribs” located Alley in between 5th and 6th Ave…and don’t forget to take a photo of one of my favorite sculptures in town. This representation of the journey of the stampeders is based on Mont Hawthorne and Pedro the dog. It was created by local artist Peter Lucchetti.

12.   Visit the Skagway Museum – located in the current City Hall Building.  This building was originally McCabe College, which was the first school in Alaska to offer college prep classes!

13.   Shop – Alaska has some amazing artists.  Here are a few of our favorite shops that feature locally made items: Inspired Arts, Taiya River Arts, A Fine Line, Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory and Klondike Gift Supply. Looking for some traditional Skagway souvenirs? Check out Skagway Outlet Store, Gold Rush Gifts, and Klothes Rush!

14.   Eat – With no chain restaurants in Skagway, you are sure to find a mix of local flavor. Here are a few for you to check out: The Station Bar & Grill, Northern Lights Pizzeria, Sweet Tooth, Glacial Coffeehouse, Bites on Broadway, Bombay Curry, Starfire and Kone Kompany.

15.   Have an adult beverage – Visit either brewery for a beer or two: Klondike Brewing and Skagway Brewing Company (also a great choice for food!).  Looking for more than a beer?  How about a brothel tour and a duck fart shot at the Red Onion Saloon or a margarita and some cornhole at Happy Endings Saloon? 

As a local in Skagway, these are some of my favorite activities.  Of course this does not represent ALL of the wonderful businesses in town, but if you only have one day here, this will help you make the most of it! All of the businesses included in this post are open for business this year.

PS…All of these destinations can be reached via e-bike!  A great way to see more AND have fun!